Yesterday was my friend George's birthday, and opening night of his production of Catch-22. (Go see it now at the Steep Theatre, just off of the Red Line Sheridan stop! Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, now through Nov. 9 at 8pm!) I was lucky and able to go for the opening night show with his lovely wife, Elaine, and his family.
I had been looking forward to his production, because I had no idea how the hell this book would transform to the stage, especially in the small Steep space, but George and his cast did an excellent job. The play was adapted by Heller himself, and the story was streamlined a bit, with a couple of characters disappearing. All of the actors played multiple roles, save the two that played Yossarian and the Chaplain. There was a wonderful energy to the entire production. It kept the pace brisk and swirling of the story seamless.
I've been trying to think about how the book and the play were different. The play is much funnier than I realized. It's hilarious and extremely physical. Some of the issues that I found important in the book faded out in the play. Orr was gone. He faded into the subconscious of Yossarian. The actor who played Yossarian was so affable. (I left my program at the theatre.) I had thought of him being grouchier, but he was sweeter here. Anyhow, I'm still not sure all I want to say in regards to this. Except that you should go see it. And you should bring a friend.
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